Highest-rated defensive ends Clemson Football could pursue in the transfer portal
By John Chancey
RJ Oben
Oben is a 6’-4” and 260-pound defensive end who played for Duke this past season. He is from Jersey City, New Jersey, and was a 3-star prospect in the Class of 2019.
He was also offered by Virginia, NC State, Louisville, and Boston College. Some other programs like Notre Dame, Penn State, North Carolina, and Miami looked at Oben but didn’t offer.
Oben’s best season in Durham was 2021 when he had 26 tackles and five sacks. He also scored five sacks this past season, along with 17 tackles. He has 14 career sacks.
Oben will have one more season left to play. Logic suggests that he might be interested in following his former head coach Mike Elko to Texas A&M if they have any available spots.
There are also ties to Louisville. His father, Roman Oben, is a Louisville alum and he was recruited to Purdue by current Cardinals head coach Jeff Brahm.
If you need a reminder of Oben’s qualifications, see below. This seems like ages ago but it might jog your memory.
Duke defensive end RJ Oben will be a 92 overall grade (four-star) in the portal. Appealing qualities to his game in terms of length and arsenal of moves to win. Big sack here against Clemson https://t.co/IxPh9CDgBc pic.twitter.com/wg1p2dJMBj
— Clint Brewster (@clintbrew247) December 4, 2023
That spin move helps explain why he is the top-rated defensive end/edge rusher in the transfer portal at this time.
Oben has also accepted an invite to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl, so the portal might simply be an option if he doesn’t like the feedback from the NFL.
OFFICIAL! DL R.J. Oben from @DukeFOOTBALL has accepted his invitation to the 2024 Reese's Senior Bowl 😎😎😎 #BLEEDBLUE #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️@JimNagy_SB @PaniniAmerica #RatedRookie pic.twitter.com/QoHxMcAstX
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) November 23, 2023